Hotels near Bodrum Castle

Rising above Bodrum's harbor on the southwestern coast of Turkey, Bodrum Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the eastern Mediterranean. Built by the Knights of St. John in the early 15th century, the castle dominates the skyline and serves as a defining landmark of this ancient Aegean town.

History and Architecture

Construction of Bodrum Castle began in 1402, with the Knights Hospitaller using stone quarried partly from the nearby Mausoleum at Halicarnassus — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The castle features five towers, each built and maintained by different European nations: England, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. This multinational character gives the structure a distinctive architectural variety. The walls enclose courtyards planted with gardens, and carved reliefs and inscriptions from the medieval period are still visible throughout the complex.

Museum of Underwater Archaeology

Today, Bodrum Castle houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, a globally recognized institution dedicated to artifacts recovered from shipwrecks in Turkish waters. Highlights include Bronze Age and Byzantine-era cargo, ancient glass collections, and the preserved hull of a 7th-century Byzantine ship. The museum draws scholars and visitors from around the world and is considered one of the finest of its kind.

Practical Tips

• Opening hours: Generally open Tuesday through Sunday; closed Mondays. Check official schedules before visiting, as hours vary seasonally.
• Entrance fee: A paid admission applies; combination tickets may be available with nearby sites.
• Getting there: The castle is walkable from central Bodrum and the marina area.
• Nearby: Combine your visit with the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus ruins, or head to Gümbet Beach or Bitez Beach for a relaxing afternoon afterward.